Originally with my first leather mask, the Autumn Gryphon mask, I planned on incorporating real feathers into the design. As I worked on it, however, I decided to keep it just leather without the feathers.

This mask, though, definitely called for feathers. As I painted it, I tried to mirror the red and iridescent green of the real feathers. The green on the mask is also iridescent, by use of an iridescent medium, so in certain light the green areas shimmer like the actual feathers do.

I'm still learning how to make these masks, but I'm quite pleased with how this turned out. I still have a ways to go before I get the hang of it, but I think I'm starting to learn.

Yes yes I wish I had the time space and ...want to make stuff like that! HAHAH!! I love to see it, I'm incredibly impressed, but i sure dont have the energy to put in it XD you seem to be a fountain of creativity XD

Aw, thanks I actually never was able to watch through the entire movie since every time I tried to watch it as a kid, I would always get really upset when the horse died and would turn it off So I don't know the characters very well.

Ah, I had nearly forgotten about WitchVox. The site has grown a lot since I was last there. I looked around again and found a rather interesting archer/rider by chance (or perhaps not by chance?) in the merchants section.

I would like to do some masks based on deities. There are so many possibilities (one idea was a Horus mask, complete with the Eye of Horus incorporated in).

Yes, WitchVox is huge now. The deities masks sound very cool. Some of the Celtic traditions use mask work in their ceremonies. I have a friend who uses Egyptian icons in his works. You've given me an idea for a possible birthday present for him. (Do you take mask commissions?)

I love gryphons a lot. I have made masks out of paper mache though. Never tried to make a mask out of leather..A truly beautiful result with combining leather, feathers & paints to make this stunning mask. I love birds a lot. I can see you're getting better!

Paper mache seems to be a good mask-making medium. It's lightweight and much more forgiving than leather. If you don't get the shape of the leather right the first time, you're stuck with it. I'm still learning how to shape and dry it correctly.

It's definitely challenging and time-consuming, but not nearly as hard as it looks. You should take a look at *merimask's super-helpful mask-making tutorials here: [link] You should also check her masks out, too. They're absolutely stunning.